Tour de Yorkshire to make history in Wakefield

Mike Muncaster

Crowds have started to line the route of the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire as Wakefield prepares to make history.

And the excitement is building in the city centre with spectators coming from across the region to watch the world’s elite cyclists take part in the final stage of the race .

Crowds have gathered outside the team’s bases on Northgate to try and catch a glimpse of the riders, including the first English winner of the Tour De France Sir Bradley Wiggins and two time Olympic medallist Ed Clancy from Huddersfield.

Wakefield Council leader Coun Peter Box said he is delighted Wakefield will play a part in creating history.

He said: “The weather isn’t perfect but that hasn’t stopped people coming in numbers to see the race.

“There are two elements which are key. One is getting more people out cycling and we want to build on what the Tour de France did last year. Secondly businesses are benefiting from having the world’s best cyclists come here

“People are already in position and the atmosphere will be fantastic when the race starts.”

A group of school children will start proceedings by cycling the first kilometre of the race around the city at around 11.45am.

The professional will take part in a ceremonial start by Wakefield Cathedral before the official start at the junction of Barnsley Road and Agbrigg Road at around 12.30pm today.

Some of the world’s elite riders will then ride past the Hepworth and towards Castle Grove park for the official race start , around about 12.30 pm on Barnsley Road close to the junction of Agbrigg Road.

Tour de Yorkshire full route

The teams will then head out towards Newmillerdam and Woolley. The race finishes in Leeds later this afternoon.

Already the celebrations are starting in the city centre with alternative forms of cycling, including unicyclists, riding around the Bullring and other entertainment.

School children from around the city are also taking part in rides before the professional riders take to the Wakefield streets.